A rescued snow leopard is pictured at a wildlife park in Xining, Qinghai province, on Sept 17. [Photo/VCG]

　　China's snow leopard population has doubled to about 5,000 since systematic conservation efforts began in 2013, with the species' habitat expanding to approximately 2.08 million square kilometers, the National Forestry and Grassland Administration said on Thursday.

　　The figure means China now accounts for more than 60 percent of the global snow leopard habitat, the administration said in a media release on Friday, which coincided with the International Snow Leopard Day.

　　China is also home to the world's largest snow leopard distribution area and the biggest population of the species, the release said.

　　Known as the "king of the mountains", the snow leopard is a national first-class protected animal, as well as a flagship and umbrella species of high-altitude ecosystems. Its presence is considered an important indicator of the integrity, stability and health of alpine ecosystems.

　　China has continued to strengthen its protected area system in the species' core distribution areas. Two national parks and 78 other important protected areas have been established in key habitats, while more than 800,000 sq km of snow leopard habitat has been placed under strict protection. Nearly 40 percent of the species' potential habitat is now under standardized management, the administration said.

　　The country has also made progress in rebuilding populations in areas where snow leopards had disappeared.